We board an era of sequels, reboots, and memorable comebacks.
We seriously doubt whether the 1990’s actually really ever ended. The same goes for the ’80s, ’70s, ’60s, or ’50s. Movies, television shows, songs, (and more) are revolving around golden eras we just don’t want to ditch.
It’s no wonder we’re all holding out for Stranger Things’ fourth season.
Nostalgia Marketing is afoot, people.
The world seems to possess an irresistible taste for everything nostalgic. It’s about tapping into vintage moments and classic trends (Shoulder pads, Myspace accounts, and flared jeans don’t quite count here) and re-emerging them into the fashionable world.
Nostalgia can transport you back to a ‘simpler time or elicit happy memories. Bliss.
When the Caffeinate crew recently reflected on our favorite childhood toys, everyone unapologetically admitted a fond soft spot for Sea-Monkeys.
First advertised as a family-fun educational toy within the 1950s, you'll find these mail-order pets inside the pages of comic books everywhere. These awesome little critters have even stayed in space and have a specially-designed aquarium built by NASA.
Sea-Monkeys have always been marketed in the same way, with kids convinced they're creating ALIVE underwater creatures that sleep in an underwater castle.
“A BOWL filled with HAPPINESS – Instant PETS!”
Unfortunately, we’re here to ruin your childhood. Presenting the heartbreaking truth – Sea-Monkeys are literally branchiopod crustaceans, able to survive as eggs for long periods until added to water. For seven decades, children have believed they were real. Genius marketing, if you ask us.
Marketing shrimp to children won't have worked also, but portraying them as human-like monkeys certainly has.
Deceptive? Maybe. Clever? Certainly.
But how?
Check out the live screenshot from their current website.
The cartoon designs have barely changed over time. Red dotted antennas, check. Human smiles, check. Rounded faces and light-brown tones, check. the employment of ‘Instant Pets’ within the tagline, you bet. Amping up those nostalgic vibes, you’ll notice they even use ‘The Original’ as a part of the merchandise name. The FAQ page includes a matter asking “why not go, hah?” This builds trust with customers. It’s almost a shock to the system to not be sold something since we are so accustomed to being sold to. Amazing.
Over to you, people. We’re setting you a mini-challenge. How are you able to leverage your business, using the teachings learned from Sea-Monkeys?
We want you to urge innovation. Get creative. Get nostalgic. the benefit of name loyalty. Don’t hesitate to think ‘outside the aquarium.’ Meticulously plan your next move. If you’ve been around for a long time, why not revert back to your original branding for a brief period of time? Run a promotion around it. Why not pivot to supply something people haven’t seen in years?
If branchiopod can get it on, you'll too.
Just add water and begin growing your company.
